· You learn a lot when you travel. It is the University of Life. You will develop skills that will benefit you when you get home. I thought I knew it all by the time I started travelling but soon realised it was back to the drawing board.
· Every time you cross a border the people, language, money, culture and the rules change. Common sense changes and so do moral values. So, what is okay in one place is not okay in another and vice versa.
· In fact, the education starts before you leave. Deciding on travel partners or going it alone. As it's more fun and cheaper to travel with someone else or numerous others. You may be taking off with people you have never travelled with before. It is a great way to get to know someone and forge bonds that will last a lifetime. Many friendships have been tested and ended this way. There's only one way to find out.
· So, you will need to make a lot of judgement calls which directly affect you and how well the trip goes. But don't worry too much, we all make mistakes and that is how we learn. Most of the time you will have a good laugh about it.
· You will need to become a good judge of character. Who do you trust. Who don't you trust. If you are travelling alone, it becomes even more important.
· Once again, a little bit of homework on local scams etc is helpful. Knowledge is power. You don't need to be paranoid when travelling but being aware of things is just being smart.
· I have a general rule that If I want something I will go and get it. I don't need someone in the street coming up and trying to take me somewhere or get me to do something.
· The bigger the tourist attraction the more scammers will be hanging around. Standing there with an open map looking lost will draw them in like moths to the flame. They are often well dressed and speak English well. They will have a sister or cousin who goes to university in your home town. They may say they're staying in the same hotel and they saw you there earlier.
· They will want you to play cards or go to a shop or organize a too good to miss gem stone deal for you. One thing is for sure they are full of crap and after all of the money on your credit card. Hit them with a bit of sarcasm and give them a wide berth. Well-travelled people wouldn't give them the time of day and by talking to them you're displaying your lack of awareness. Don't feel obligated to talk to everyone out of politeness.
· Every country has their scams and they are normally well known. Some are quite clever and you can be unaware it even happened and not much out of pocket. It's hard not to have a little grudging respect for these guys.
· Another golden rule is if something sounds too good to be true it probably is. Greed can often get people into trouble.
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What can happen if you take a drink from the wrong person - Big Lalaguna, Mindoro, Philippines
· It wouldn't be much fun if you didn't make any friends though. Most people are honest and it's only a small minority you have to be wary of. Sometimes luck can play a role in it too. Once again, just remember You are the Boss and you don't need any one to lead you around and tell you what to do. Basically, it's better that you approach people rather than they approach you.
· Don't believe taxi drivers or people on the street when they say that something is closed or dirty or not as good as their brother’s place. Insist on going where you wanted to go. If you want to do a tour, go and seek one out. Often your hotel or the nearest travel agent can help you out. Don't go with someone who approaches you on the street with a great price. There will be a catch. In fact, you can pretty much avoid all street touts on your trip and not be missing anything. Don't make eye contact and just walk straight past.
· Don't let anyone put something on you like a bracelet or a hat. They'll want money and be hard to shake off. If someone spills something like mustard or wipes shit on you put your hands straight on your valuables and be very alert for their accomplice who will rob you as the instigator helps to clean you up. Spin around and you'll probably bump into them.
· In crowded areas wear your day pack on the front and put your hands in your pockets protecting your wallet and valuables. Beware of motorcycles riding past and snatching your day pack or phone. Don't carry your bag or purse on the road side and don't have your phone out walking along, on the back of a motorbike or even in the back of a tuk tuk. Once again don't be paranoid, just be aware of what goes on. Forewarned is forearmed. 99 % of the time you won't be under any threat.
· Take photos of anything you rent for proof against any damage claims.
· Use your own locks.
· Don't have a false sense of security just because your room is expensive.
· Don't always trust fellow travellers. Sometimes they fund their travel money by stealing yours.
· In dodgy bars ask the price of everything. Ask the price whenever it is not displayed.
· Never accept drinks or food from strangers.
· Beware of strangers who come up and want to go out drinking with you
· Be wary of attractive women who wouldn't normally give you the time of day acting like you were Brad Pitt.
· Remember not all women are women.
· Be wary of time share lunches, they are long, boring and have crap food.
· Avoid people offering illegal substances and activities on the street.
· Some countries have fake cops. Ask to see their badge or get them to take you to the station. Or just make a ruckus and they should run away. Check your bills and your change. Beware if you buy something and they go out the back to package it. They might do the old switcheroo. Never let your credit card out of your sight. I only ever use mine in ATMs. Watch out for people looking over your shoulder at ATM's.
· Beggars might arouse your pity but remember in some places begging is big business and can also result in the exploitation of children and disabled people. Offer them food or drink instead.
· In Cambodia there are not enough fake orphans to go around to supply the well-meaning and the dubious volunteers (grown men) who wish to help. It's quite an industry that even caters to passing tour buses. So now the children (who have homes and families up country) have to be rescued from the orphanages.
· Keeping an ear to the ground, using common sense and trusting your gut instincts should see you successfully sorting the wheat from the chaff.